Mortgage Approval Group, LLC

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC Tampa Mortgage Broker with over 25 years of experience in providing the best financing options for your home purchase or refinance with five-star service!

To schedule an appointment please visit https://calendly.com/scott-kepler or call (813) 444-8537! * Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
 A mortgage with an interest rate that changes during the life of the loan according to movements in an index rate. Sometimes called AMLs (adjustable mortgage loans) or VRMs (variable-rate mortgages).
* Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 
The cost of credit, expressed as a y

early rate including interest, mortgage insurance, and loan origination fees. This allows the buyer to compare loans, however APR should not be confused with the actual note rate.
* Appraisal 
A written analysis prepared by a qualified appraiser and estimating the value of a property.
* Appraised Value 
An opinion of a property's fair market value, based on an appraiser's knowledge, experience, and analysis of the property.
* Broker
 An individual or company that brings borrowers and lenders together for the purpose of loan origination.
* Closing Costs
 These are expenses - over and above the price of the property - that are incurred by buyers and sellers when transferring ownership of a property. Closing costs normally include an origination fee, property taxes, charges for title insurance and escrow costs, appraisal fees, etc. Closing costs will vary according to the area country and the lenders used.
* Credit Report 
A report detailing an individual's credit history that is prepared by a credit bureau and used by a lender to determine a loan applicant's creditworthiness.
* Credit Risk Score 
A credit score measures a consumer's credit risk relative to the rest of the U.S. population, based on the individual's credit usage history. The credit score most widely used by lenders is the FICO® score, developed by Fair, Issac and Company. This 3-digit number, ranging from 300 to 850, is calculated by a mathematical equation that evaluates many types of information that are on your credit report. Higher FICO® scores represents lower credit risks, which typically equate to better loan terms. In general, credit scores are critical in the mortgage loan underwriting process.
* Down Payment
 Part of the purchase price of a property that is paid in cash and not financed with a mortgage.
* Equity
 The amount of financial interest in a property. Equity is the difference between the fair market value of the property and the amount still owed on the mortgage.
* Escrow 
An item of value, money, or documents deposited with a third party to be delivered upon the fulfillment of a condition. For example, the deposit of funds or documents into an escrow account to be disbursed upon the closing of a sale of real estate.
* Fannie Mae
 A congressionally chartered, shareholder-owned company that is the nation's largest supplier of home mortgage funds.
* FHA Mortgage 
A mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Also known as a government mortgage.
* FICO Score
 FICO® scores are the most widely used credit score in U.S. mortgage loan underwriting. Higher FICO® scores represent lower credit risks, which typically equate to better loan terms.
* Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM) 
A mortgage interest that are fixed throughout the entire term of the loan.
* HUD-1 statement 
A document that provides an itemized listing of the funds that are payable at closing. Items that appear on the statement include real estate commissions, loan fees, points, and initial escrow amounts. Each item on the statement is represented by a separate number within a standardized numbering system. The totals at the bottom of the HUD-1 statement define the seller's net proceeds and the buyer's net payment at closing.
* Index
 The index is the measure of interest rate changes a lender uses to decide the amount an interest rate on an ARM will change over time.The index is generally a published number or percentage, such as the average interest rate or yield on Treasury bills. Some index rates tend to be higher than others and some more volatile.
* Initial Interest Rate 
This refers to the original interest rate of the mortgage at the time of closing. This rate changes for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). It's also known as "start rate" or "teaser."
* Line of Credit
 An agreement by a commercial bank or other financial institution to extend credit up to a certain amount for a certain time.
* Monthly Fixed Installment 
That portion of the total monthly payment that is applied toward principal and interest. When a mortgage negatively amortizes, the monthly fixed installment does not include any amount for principal reduction and doesn't cover all of the interest. The loan balance therefore increases instead of decreasing.
* Mortgage
 A legal document that pledges a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt.
* Mortgage Banker
 A company that originates mortgages exclusively for resale in the secondary mortgage market.
* Mortgage Broker 
An individual or company that brings borrowers and lenders together for the purpose of loan origination.
* Mortgage Insurance
 A contract that insures the lender against loss caused by a mortgagor's default on a government mortgage or conventional mortgage. Mortgage insurance can be issued by a private company or by a government agency.
* Pre-Approval 
The process of determining how much money you will be eligible to borrow before you apply for a loan.
* Principal Balance
 The outstanding balance of principal on a mortgage not including interest or any other charges.
* Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance (PITI) 
The four components of a monthly mortgage payment. Principal refers to the part of the monthly payment that reduces the remaining balance of the mortgage. Interest is the fee charged for borrowing money. Taxes and insurance refer to the monthly cost of property taxes and homeowners insurance, whether these amounts that are paid into an escrow account each month or not.
* Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) 
Mortgage insurance provided by a private mortgage insurance company to protect lenders against loss if a borrower defaults. Most lenders generally require MI for a loan with a loan-to-value (LTV) percentage in excess of 80 percent.
* Rate Lock 
A commitment issued by a lender to a borrower or other mortgage originator guaranteeing a specified interest rate and lender costs for a specified period of time.
* Real Estate Agent
 A person licensed to negotiate and transact the sale of real estate on behalf of the property owner.
* Refinance 
Paying off one loan with the proceeds from a new loan using the same property as security.
* Underwriting
 The process of evaluating a loan application to determine the risk involved for the lender. Underwriting involves an analysis of the borrower's creditworthiness and the quality of the property itself.
* VA Mortgage
 A mortgage that is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Also known as a government mortgage.
* "Wrap Around" Mortgage 
A mortgage that includes the remaining balance on an existing first mortgage plus an additional amount requested by the mortgagor. Full payments on both mortgages are made to the "Wrap Around" mortgagee, who then forwards the payments on the first mortgage to the first mortgagee. These mortgages may not be allowed by the first mortgage holder, and if discovered, could be subject to a demand for full payment. Thank you for contacing a Tampa, Florida mortgage loan broker!

Found your next home but haven't sold yours yet?Most homeowners think they have two choices: make a contingent offer or ...
08/09/2026

Found your next home but haven't sold yours yet?

Most homeowners think they have two choices: make a contingent offer or wait. But there's a strategy that changes the game.

A bridge loan lets you access your current home's equity to buy your next one immediately—without contingencies, without waiting, and without losing out to other buyers. You move into your new home while your current home sells. The bridge loan is paid off from the sale proceeds.

This is especially powerful in Florida's competitive real estate market, where sellers often reject contingent offers outright. Instead of hoping your current home sells fast enough, you control the timeline.

Bridge loans do have costs and qualification requirements, and they're not right for every situation. But if you're caught between two homes, it's worth exploring.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC
Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792
813-444-8537

Want to know if a bridge loan could work for your situation? Comment BRIDGE or send us a message.

Condo buyers in Florida—your mortgage approval just got more thorough. Here's what that means for your deal.Fannie Mae a...
08/08/2026

Condo buyers in Florida—your mortgage approval just got more thorough. Here's what that means for your deal.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac changed condo mortgage rules effective August 3rd. The fast-track approval option is gone. Now lenders must conduct a full review of the HOA's budget, reserves, insurance, and building condition for every condo purchase.

Why this matters:

Your timeline may extend. Your lender will request more HOA documentation. Some buildings that previously qualified under the old rules may not qualify now. This is especially important in Florida, where condos are a major part of the market.

The upside? This review protects you from buying into a building with financial or structural issues. The practical side? Start gathering HOA documents early, and make sure your lender understands the new requirements.

If you're representing a buyer or buying a condo yourself, let's make sure you're prepared for the new process.

Comment CONDO and we'll walk you through what to expect with the new approval timeline and documentation.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC | Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792 | 813-444-8537

Realtors, your buyers' appraisals are coming in HIGHER than contract price—and that's creating a new problem you need to...
08/07/2026

Realtors, your buyers' appraisals are coming in HIGHER than contract price—and that's creating a new problem you need to know about.

Traditionally, low appraisals were the deal-killer. But in 2026, we're seeing high appraisals trigger lender reviews, delays, and complications that can stall or derail closings.

The culprit? Outdated comparable sales data, climate risk adjustments, and automated valuation model limitations are pushing appraisal values above contract prices. When that happens, lenders often pause to investigate, which means your buyer's timeline gets pushed back.

This isn't a buyer education issue alone—it's a deal protection issue. You need to know this is happening, communicate it early with your lender, and have a plan if the appraisal comes in high.

At Mortgage Approval Group, we review these scenarios before they become problems. If you have a buyer with an appraisal concern, message us or call Scott at 813-444-8537.

Comment APPRAISAL if you want to discuss how to handle this with your next buyer.

Your credit history just became more valuable than your credit snapshot.Mortgage lending is changing. Lenders are moving...
08/06/2026

Your credit history just became more valuable than your credit snapshot.

Mortgage lending is changing. Lenders are moving away from single-moment credit scores and toward 24-month credit behavior analysis. If you've been consistently paying down debt and managing your credit responsibly, this shift could open doors that were previously closed.

For buyers who were told "your score is too low," this is worth a second look. For first-time buyers building credit, for veterans, and for anyone rebuilding after financial challenges, the new scoring models reward the progress you've actually made.

What changed:
• Old model: Looked at one snapshot in time
• New model: Tracks 24 months of payment history, balance trends, and financial consistency

What it means:
• Positive payment trends now matter
• Declining balances show real progress
• Consistent financial habits are rewarded
• Subject to lender approval and program eligibility

Important note: This applies to conventional loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHA and VA programs have not yet adopted these new models.

The strategy is simple: understand which credit model your lender is using. It could be the difference between approval and a second chance.

At Mortgage Approval Group, we help buyers understand their real options. If you've been told no, or if you're not sure which credit model applies to your situation, let's take a closer look.

Comment SCORE if you want to know how the new credit scoring could help you qualify.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC | Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792 | 813-444-8537

Your rent payments now count toward your mortgage approval. Here's what just changed in 2026.Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ...
08/05/2026

Your rent payments now count toward your mortgage approval. Here's what just changed in 2026.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now accept VantageScore 4.0, a new credit scoring model that recognizes on-time rent, utilities, and telecom payments as part of your credit history. This opens doors for millions of renters who were previously considered "credit invisible."

If you've been a responsible renter but have limited traditional credit history, you may now qualify for a mortgage that wasn't possible before. This is especially powerful for first-time buyers, young professionals, and anyone building credit from scratch.

What this means: Your payment history matters. Your income matters. Your debt-to-income ratio matters. Your down payment matters. Credit score is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. VantageScore 4.0 is available through approved lenders on a limited rollout basis—not all lenders offer it yet.

If you have a buyer who was told no because of credit history, or if you're a renter wondering whether you now qualify, let's take a closer look. Comment CREDIT or call Scott Kepler at 813-444-8537 to review your options.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC | Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792 | 813-444-8537

Your low mortgage rate is valuable. Don't give it up just to access your equity.A lot of homeowners face the same dilemm...
08/04/2026

Your low mortgage rate is valuable. Don't give it up just to access your equity.

A lot of homeowners face the same dilemma: rates have jumped since they locked in their mortgage, and now they need to borrow money. Their lender suggests a refinance, but that would mean replacing a 3% rate with 6.5%+ on the entire loan.

That's not the only option.

A HELOC keeps your original mortgage rate intact while giving you access to a separate line of credit at current market rates. You only pay the higher rate on the money you actually borrow—not on your entire loan balance.

Federal Reserve data shows HELOC usage jumped 18% from early 2022 to early 2026 as homeowners discovered this strategy. It's not a secret anymore. It's just smart planning.

The right choice depends on your situation: your home value, your equity, your goals, and what you're trying to accomplish.

At Mortgage Approval Group, we help homeowners compare all the options—refinance, HELOC, home equity loan, or staying put—so you can make the decision that actually fits your life.

Comment HELOC if you want to compare your options, or call Scott at 813-444-8537.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC | Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792

Florida homeowners, your escrow account just became valuable.Insurance rates just dropped across the state—8 to 14 perce...
08/03/2026

Florida homeowners, your escrow account just became valuable.

Insurance rates just dropped across the state—8 to 14 percent in some cases. That's significant relief for homeowners who've watched their costs climb for years. But most people don't realize their monthly mortgage payment won't automatically drop. Your lender adjusts escrow once a year, typically on your loan anniversary.

If you want to claim those savings now, you need to request an off-cycle escrow analysis. It's a simple call to your lender. They'll review your current insurance costs, recalculate your monthly payment, and if rates are lower, your payment adjusts immediately.

This applies to homeowners with mortgages who pay insurance through escrow. If that's you, it's worth doing this week.

Mortgage Approval Group can help you understand your options. Call Scott Kepler at 813-444-8537 or message us to discuss your escrow situation.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC | Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792

Your mortgage approval is only the first number. The real question is: Can you afford the whole picture?We see it all th...
08/02/2026

Your mortgage approval is only the first number. The real question is: Can you afford the whole picture?

We see it all the time. A buyer gets approved for $500K and assumes that's their budget. Then they close and realize the monthly costs are way higher than they expected.

Property taxes in Florida. Homeowners insurance. HOA fees. Maintenance. Utilities. Repairs.

The buyers who feel confident after closing are the ones who calculated all of it upfront.

Here's the framework we use:

**Total housing costs should stay under 28% of gross income.**

That's not just the mortgage payment. That's everything.

A $5,000 monthly gross income means your total housing costs should max out around $1,400. That includes the payment, taxes, insurance, HOA, and a realistic maintenance reserve.

Before you make an offer, do this:
- Get a full home inspection
- Calculate true monthly costs (all of them)
- Visit the neighborhood multiple times
- Don't waive contingencies to win

The difference between buyer regret and buyer confidence is knowing the numbers before you sign.

At Mortgage Approval Group, we help buyers understand the full picture—not just the approval amount.

Comment COSTS if you want help calculating your true monthly housing expenses.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC
Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792
813-444-8537

Condo buyers and their Realtors: a major lending rule change takes effect in 2 days.Starting August 3, lenders are elimi...
08/01/2026

Condo buyers and their Realtors: a major lending rule change takes effect in 2 days.

Starting August 3, lenders are eliminating the streamlined review process for most condo projects. This means full documentation review for every deal—stricter HOA analysis, reserve study verification, insurance checks, and more thorough underwriting.

What does this mean in real life? Condo closings may take 1-2 weeks longer, and deals could stall if HOA documents aren't ready early.

If you're working with a condo buyer right now, don't wait. Gather HOA documents, reserve studies, and insurance information immediately. The sooner your lender has what they need, the sooner you close.

Have questions about what your lender will require? Reach out. We're here to help you navigate this change.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC | Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792 | 813-444-8537

Seller-paid rate buydowns are back in the conversation—and for good reason.When mortgage rates are high and buyers are s...
07/31/2026

Seller-paid rate buydowns are back in the conversation—and for good reason.

When mortgage rates are high and buyers are struggling with affordability, a 2-1 or 3-2-1 buydown can be the difference between a deal that works and a deal that falls apart.

Here's what happens: The seller contributes funds to an escrow account. The lender uses that money to buy down your rate for 1-3 years. Your payment is lower upfront, which helps you qualify and gives you time to refinance when rates improve. After the buydown period ends, your rate steps up to the market rate—but by then, you may have already refinanced into something better.

It's a smart negotiation tactic in buyer-friendly markets. It's not a guarantee, and it's subject to lender approval. But it's a real option that can help buyers stay in the game.

If you have a buyer who's been told they can't afford the house, a rate buydown might change the conversation. Let's take a look.

Mortgage Approval Group, LLC | Scott Kepler | NMLS #833792 | 813-444-8537

Comment BUYDOWN if you want to explore this strategy for your situation.

Address

2918 Busch Lake Boulevard, Suite A
Tampa, FL
33614

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